Asylum seekers and Refugees

About Asylum seekers and Refugees

A refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country. Everyone has the right to seek asylum. This is an important human right stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

An asylum seeker is a person who has made a formal application for asylum with the Immigration Service (part of the Home Office), and is awaiting a decision on that claim. A person becomes a refugee if their application for asylum is successful and they are given permission to live in the UK for a set period. A small number of refugees are granted indefinite leave to remain.

Asylum seekers receive basic housing (not Council housing), food vouchers and a small amount of money. They are not allowed to work.

Support available for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

The New Arrivals Coordinator works with asylum seeker and refugee families in the City of Nottingham. This includes supporting these families to access the services, benefits, entitlements and guidance they need to settle into Nottingham.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum is a community organisation working with and for asylum seekers and refugees in the city and county.

They provide friendship, support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers, such as assisting with the completion of forms, accessing services and activities, and generally helping them to settle in a new environment.